Chip Kelly went back home to get a new quarterback for UCLA with the anticipated signing of Parker McQuarrie from New Hampshire. The 6-7, 220-pound McQuarrie is a four star recruit according to the 247Sports Composite. He is a pro-style quarterback from St. Paul’s High School in Concord, New Hampshire.
McQuarrie committed to UCLA back in April, choosing the Bruins over the likes of Miami, Michigan, Wisconisn, Minnesota, and Boston College, (where his older brother Drew is a defensive end). He had 10 offers in all.
McQuarrie played 15 games over two years at St. Paul’s. He has 1,573 passing yards to go with 17 touchdowns and four interceptions. His size makes him distinctive. There will be immediate comparisons to Brock Osweiler, or even Dan McGwire , for those old enough to remember. He has a quick release, good pocket mobility, rolls well to the right, (not quite as well to the left), and excels at hitting receivers in stride. He is not as much of a threat to run but did not really need to with his high school team.
His addition adds some complexity to the depth at the quarterback position for UCLA. Incumbent starter Dorian Thompson-Robinson will be back for his junior season. There will be junior Austin Burton who was 44 of 64 for 365 yards and a touchdown this season. Colson Yankoff will be a redshirt freshman next season. He sat out 2019 after transferring from Washington. At 6-3, 210 he is more of a dual threat quarterback, and could be Spring camp competition for Thompson-Robinson. And then where does freshman Chase Griffin fit in? He did not play in 2019 so could claim it as his redshirt year. That would give the Bruins a veteran dual threat junior; a slightly worked junior; two untested redshirt freshmen, with at least one expected to provide competition in camp; and a true freshman who is more pro-style.
In case there was any doubt as to McQuarrie’s commitment, he reaffirmed it Sunday night.
This place is home! Such a great time at UCLA. Excited for the move.🤙🏻 pic.twitter.com/PUx3BaPMHf
— Parker McQuarrie (@PBMcQuarrie) December 16, 2019
